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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN… A MOLE CHANGES?

As the mercury rises, so too does the need to protect your skin and track your moles

We’re all aware that we need to be safe in the sun and regularly check our moles for changes, but for most of us that’s the extent of our knowledge. In fact, a worrying survey last year found that a third of parents of under-11s mistakenly believe going brown is good for children, and a quarter have actively encouraged their kids to tan, while 40 per cent of us never check our skin for signs of skin cancer. Time for a refresher.

What does the sun actually do to moles?

‘When you burn, the genes in your skin get damaged and the body knits the DNA back together again,’ says Dr Bav Shergill, a Sussex-based dermatologist specialising in skin cancer. ‘If there is too much damage, a mutation can develop in one of your genes. It takes just one mutation in one cell to flip it into a malignant cell. Most of the time, the body can repair it, so a strong immune system can destroy very early cancer cells.’

About Healthy Magazine

Spring into action with our summer of fun issue!
Inside, you’ll find our ultimate outdoor fitness guide, with tips on how to get friends and family involved, and an expert piece busting weight loss myths.
We chat to presenter Jameela Jamil about why she’s leading the post-body positivity movement and delve into the Governments new calorie counting obsession.
Plus, how to pick your perfect PT, the real women’s guide to summer skincare, and six salads you’d be proud to serve up this summer.
Find out more in the brand new issue of Healthy!